Post by Shrikeswind on Feb 12, 2015 3:46:59 GMT -5

So I was on Facebook checking on stuff when I saw someone posted this. Not exactly a ton of information yet but I thought I'd share. But basically, a bunch of ex-Rare developers jumped ship and made an indie company, and want to do another Banjo-Kazooie sorta game. Reminds me of Grant Kirkhope talking about how some Rareware employees would like to do a proper Banjo-Threeie for Nintendo (in the video, 1:00:06-1:00:42). Of course, this isn't going to be Banjo. But what are your guys thoughts on this?

Post by Nester the Lark on Mar 14, 2015 13:42:49 GMT -5

First details of Project Ukelele courtesy of GoNintendo (concept images at the link):

- confirmed to be a 3D platform- some of the team worked on DKC- lots of collectibles- collectibles involve grabbing 'pages', among other items- special moves for the main characters- characters allow for all sorts of various moves- various themed worlds- less linear than previous 3D platforms- use pages to unlock future works and expand current worlds- worlds will expand in size when you unlock content with pages- hub world with lots of exploration- secrets that could take months, if not years to discover- Kickstarter coming soon- amiibo support being considered

Amiibo support seems to confirm at least a Wii U version, if not a New 3DS version.

Post by Shrikeswind on Mar 16, 2015 0:27:30 GMT -5

That... sounds too high of a goal. It's the kind of thing that's easy to think up with, but very hard to actually execute.

Before there's some sort of playable demo, I'll remain skeptical. At the same time, I hope they do succeed.

It depends on a few things, most notably how the Kickstarter goes. I'm not going to say I expect them to reach the lofty goals they've set, but if the cash comes in nice enough we can expect them to make a few of those goals at least.

Post by Nester the Lark on Mar 16, 2015 13:58:24 GMT -5

“Ivory backscratchers. Also, we want to make this the best game it can possibly be, with the creative freedom to ensure that the final product is something we can all be proud of. Since our public unveiling the community has cranked up the pressure for us to deliver the best game of our careers (so far…) and this will help us do that. It’s also a great opportunity to build community and have fans get their hands on all the cool physical rewards they want (and can sell on eBay in a few years at inflated prices… everyone wins!)”

What kinds of tiers and rewards can we expect?

“That’s up to our fans as well as us, but a same day multiple platform release would be a great starting point so no one has to wait to play our game! In terms of rewards we could have books, limited editions, toys, clothing… We may even throw in some games as well.”

What happens if the Kickstarter fails?

“We’ll carry on making the game and release it when it’s ready. But the Kickstarter will help us add many features and platform versions – not to mention cool swag – that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”

What can you tell us about the actual game, you information hoarder?

“There’s plenty of time to keep telling you more in the run up to our Kickstarter. The hype train is only just leaving the station as our fans keep saying! If you like our past work, the humour, style, challenging 3D platforming, helping out lots of mumbling NPC’s and collectively collecting collectibles then you’ll be in for a goggle-eyed treat!”

Which platforms will you release on?

“The ones our fans tell us to! Fans of our past work are all over the place and it’d be a shame to leave anyone out and we’d really not do that! We’re GAME developers, not SHAME developers (Note for our editor Andy Robinson – let’s trademark that one).”

Would you consider partnering with X publisher?

“Not right now. We’re just a team of developers who want to focus on making the game itself. There’s LOTS of other tasks that need doing in future and we want to be in full control! If someone wants to help out with the other tasks and also leave us be, we’ll think about it so long as it means the game gets even more focus from us!”

When will we see the bloody characters?!

“You’ve seen the eyes, what more do you need? The eyes are the portal to the soul, look deep in to them and you’ll learn everything about the characters! Apart from their physical form and potential for all new cool moves of course – you’ll see more of that come May!”

And in a bit of odd (and possibly suspicious) timing, some kind of official on-rails Banjo-Kazooie game was playable at a gaming awards show in Texas.

Post by Nester the Lark on Apr 30, 2015 13:42:36 GMT -5

A preview at IGN reveals that the official title of the game is "Yooka-Laylee," and there's also some early gameplay footage. Wii U is among the confirmed platforms, along with PS4, Xbox One, Windows and Mac.

Post by TV Eye on May 2, 2015 0:17:18 GMT -5

I love collectathons...I just don't really trust Kickstarters. I want this game to be as good as people think it will be, but, eh. Maybe I'm just too pessimistic. My friend donated over $500 because Banjo Kazooie was HIS childhood (mine was Crash Bandicoot) and I don't want to see people like him disappointed because they forgot to clean off their nostalgia goggles.

Post by Nester the Lark on May 2, 2015 12:01:26 GMT -5

Smashed all stretch goals in less than 24 hours. That means day-one releases on all major consoles.

Personally, I've never been a fan of the old 90's collect-a-thons, but I did like the more recent DKC games because they kept it under control. It wasn't collecting for the sake of collecting, it was built into the challenge of the levels, so it was skill-based. Also, it unlocked worthwhile stuff.

Rare was on both sides of that fence, but hopefully the guys at Playtonic have the benefit of hindsight. I particularly liked this part of the Kickstarter pitch:

Collect-em-up 2.0: A roster of shiny collectibles with gameplay progression at their core (as well as other, more valuable materials). Every collectible type in our new game will expand gameplay in a meaningful way. Yes, we employ the man responsible for DK64's myriad of trinkets, but we've had a stern word. Our main collectible, Pagies, are used to unlock and expand new worlds in Yooka-Laylee.

Kickstarter is a hit-or-miss thing. Some developers are more organized and responsible and able to get a great game out the door, while others flounder in development hell, wasting other people's generous donations. Recalling the insane output Rare had on the N64 in the '90s, I think these guys know what they're doing. But I also think it's inevitable that after the Kickstarter ends and the honeymoon is over, things will get a little ugly. I don't expect this game to be released until early 2017, because that's just the nature of game development.

Especially with how much money they're raising in such a short amount of time, it'll be easy for them to start getting overambitious. Can they stay disciplined enough to keep things in a reasonable scope and schedule without a corporate producer keeping them on point? We'll find out.